SAM_FBO_4_LifeTech_FY24_(updated)_SMA_2.docx

DESCRIPTION: The National Institutes of Health - NIAAA - Laboratory of Neurogenetics (LNG) intends to procure the services of a contractor to provide maintenance services and cover all parts, labor, and software updates required for the repair and recommended Preventative Maintenance of the ION Chef system with priority service. This service includes remote monitoring and (physical) visits to the Lab for technical support, software and hardware updates and overall maintenance.

The Laboratory of Neurogenetics (LNG) sequences both DNA and RNA from both human and animal models of alcohol use disorders to discover possible targets for treatment.

LNG uses state of the art sequencers to sequence libraries -both DNA and RNA prepared by members of the laboratory. The S5 generation sequencers in the lab (S5XL and S5 Prime) use libraries that are templated and loaded onto sequencing chips using the Ion Chef. Using the Ion Chef for templating and loading the prepared libraries results in consistent loading of the chips which ultimately yields a better-quality sequence. The Chef and sequencers need to be maintained and serviced when they have problems. The ION Chef is a system that enables simple targeted sequencing workflows and enables unparalleled breadth and depth, from large panels or exomes to clinical oncology research focused on low allele frequency applications to support a broad range of high-throughput sequencing for clinical research and research applications from microbial genomes and gene panels to exomes and transcriptomes. Keeping this machine functioning well requires specialized knowledge, tools, parts and software.

Because of how these DNA sequencing machines operate, as described above, it is crucial to have specialized knowledge, tools and software that have been carefully developed and validated by the company that built the machine (in this case Thermo Fisher). Thermo Fisher- TFS provides proprietary parts and reagents for maintenance and repair of the Ion Chef system. Because of the highly specialized and proprietary nature of the machine operations there are no alternatives to TFS for providing the service contract.

ThermoFisher Scientific is the sole manufacturer of the S5XL, S5 Prime and Ion Chef and has not issued a letter of assurance nor provided training certification to any third party for the servicing of its instrument. The need for a maintenance contract for these instruments is critical to the running of many experiments in the lab.

ThermoFisher engineers (FSE’s) are trained through a multi-step factory certification program to work on their instrumentation and software supporting it. The certification is renewed every two years to ensure the appropriate standard of excellence is maintained. The FSE’s have full and exclusive access to the latest technical developments, repair processes, software application updates and planned maintenance procedures. They also have additional support within the company should they encounter something they have not seen before. The FSE’s carry a wide range of service parts with them and only use replacement parts that have been certified to the original manufacturing specifications. Additionally, major subassemblies for the instrument can only e ordered and obtained through an FSE from ThermoFisher and are not available for separate purchase. Without access to replacement parts, ThermoFisher is the only company that is able to adequately support the sequencers and the service is offered through one of the subsidiaries, Life Technologies Corp.

This proposed procurement is for a service for which the government intends to solicit and negotiate on a sole source basis to Life Technologies Corp, located at Carlsbad CA 92008. In order to comply with the requirements in this Special Notice # NICHD-24-007, the responses should be based on our interpretation of the general requirements provided.

The proposed contract action is for a continuation of previous services for which the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302. Interested persons may identify their interest and capability to respond to the requirement or submit quotations. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive quotes. However, all quotes received within the time and date of publication of this Special Notice# NICHD-24-007 will be considered by the Government. A determination by the Government not to compete with this proposed contract based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will normally be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement.

HOW TO RESPOND: In order to compete for this project, interested parties must be registered in the Central Contracting Registration and submit a price quotation by 3:00 pm, ET, Nov, 3rd 2022. Offerors may submit one copy of the quote to MOE FILALI by email. Electronic transmissions to Moe.Filali@nih.gov are preferable but must be timely. It is the responsibility of the Offeror to ensure the proposal is received by the date and time shown above.

The following Federal Acquisition Regulations clauses are incorporated by reference: FAR 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Items (Mar 2005), 52.212-4 (Sept 2005), 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes of Executive Orders-Commercial Items (Aug 2006). (6)(i) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (Apr 2002) (E.O. 11246). (18) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (19) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (Jun 1998) (29 U.S.C. 793). (20) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (Dec 2001) (38 U.S.C. 4212). (31) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor Registration (Oct 2003) (31 U.S.C. 3332).

Telecommunication Clause and Provision:

FAR 52.204–24, Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment, and the clause at FAR 52.204–25, Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment as prescribed—

Section 889 of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2019, includes two prohibitions in Section 889(a)(1)(A) and Section 889(a)(1)(B):

1) Section 889(a)(1)(A), referred to as “Part A”, took effect on August 13, 2019 and prohibits Executive Agencies from procuring or obtaining, or extending or renewing a contract to procure or obtain, “any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.”

2) Section 889(a)(1)(B) , referred to as “Part B” , takes effect August 13, 2020 and prohibits Executive Agencies from entering into a contract, or extending or renewing a contract, with an entity that uses “any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.”

Primary Point of Contact:

MOE FILALI Contracting Office Address:

NIH/NICHD Office of Acquisitions 6710B Rockledge Drive, Room 1145D Bethesda, MD 20817

(w) 301.827 7737 Moe.filali@nih.gov